Small Group Activity 9/9/08

Amanda Shumake
Danielle McKinney
Alyssa Lester

1. Wolff’s essay was the good mixture between both positions of whether or not the war is working or if it has just become a pointless war. He does have a sarcastic tone when it comes to talking about the Bush administration but was not completely against what they stood for. His essay was a good way to introduce new concepts and ideas to those who have not taken the chance to see both sides of the story. The essay was a whole was well written but parts had a tendency to become confusing when both sides are voiced quickly.
2. Since this article was written in 2003, the situation now in 2008 has not differed drastically. The situations have continued to improve in Iraq but have not completely healed since 2003.
3. “Bipolar Iraq” is a good example of writing to example of writing to explore because Wolff divulges into the topics deeper and deeper while informing the reader of what is going on in Iraq and the different situations. The article shows us how to do exploratory writing and thinking buy showing us as a writer, it is okay to not have just one opinion as you start writing. Often times it seems that you are not sure where you stand until you put one point against the other. This helps because at this moment, you can see which topic you are more likely to stand for.
4. Foreign media is talking about how Mr. Bush is leaving troops in Iraq until his last month in office. They discuss how many troops are over there and the plans Bush had before today and how Bush is running the war his own way.
London is saying that McCain and Palin are taking ahead in the election. Palin is what the republicans needed to help them get ahead and that she is a great look for the president.